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Practical demonstrations were given, and the psychological approach to wives and
families as a whole dicusssed. The men were mostly those husbands who were concerned
about a first child but a number were specially interested if several years had elapsed
since the birth of a previous child.
The experiment has entered its third year and mothers have frequently said how
much more helpful and understanding husbands have been as a result of parentcraft
instruction.
Chest X-ray examinations were arranged during the year for about 1,000 expectant
mothers.
On average, 50 separate or combined infant welfare and toddlers' sessions were held
weekly, attendances totalled 84,490 ; the corresponding figure for 1956 was 85,651.
The total number of children born during 1957 to mothers resident in the area was
4,320 compared with 4,278 during 1956.
Childminders
The number of statutorily and voluntarily registered child-minders at 31 December
1957, was 100, compared with 66 at 31 December, 1956. Approximately 220 children
were minded each week-day.
Voluntary
workers
About ten voluntary workers assisted each week at various infant welfare sessions ;
I am most pleased to acknowledge their generous service.
Backward
children
The special welfare clinic for mentally retarded children under five years of age, at
which parents arc able to discuss their special difficulties with a doctor experienced both
in this field and that of maternity and child welfare, was continued. Mothers attended
with their children bv appointment.
District
Charlton and Blackheath district nursing association ; the Nursing Sisters of St.
John the Divine ; Ranyard Nurses ; and Woolwich and Plumstead nursing association
continued to render valuable service. The work of the last named association was
particularly helpful in that part of the Division lying north of the river.
National welfare foods were distributed at 96 sessions every week at 29 estabhshinents
throughout the division. The Women's Voluntary Services conducted 18 sessions weekly
at their own centres ; their assistance was greatly appreciated.
Welfare
foods

Chiropody
150 sessions a week were provided at foot clinics and 59,405 treatments were given.
Home help
service
303 part-time home helps, equivalent to 145.5 full-time helps, were employed at
the end of the year. The demand for help increased in Deptford but diminished to some
extent in Woolwich, Eltham and Greenwich. Seven home helps attended special courses
of training to fit them to assist mothers with household management, cooking and
budgeting. These helps and a number of others trained in 1956 were successfully
employed in several households.
Problem
families
In the autumn two social case workers were allocated to the division to undertake
intensive work with suitable families.
It is too soon to evaluate the results of the social workers' efforts or to know whether
improvements are likely to be maintained. Despite long and difficult work a few cases
have, for one reason or another, relapsed or have not so far shown any real response.
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